Insulator clevis



.Sept 8, 1936# H. Ef MILLER 2,053,729

INSULATOR CLEVIS Filed OGLV. 6, 1952 l v 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 gmenoz #5@55WEML f2 QMQMQ Patented Sept. 8, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT GFFICE INSULATOR CLEVIS Herbert E. Miller, Allentown, Pa., assignor to Utilities Service Company, Inc., Allentown, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application October 6, 1932, Serial No. 636,565

9 Claims.

the use of special tools.

A further object is to provide a strain insulator clevis employing a flexible cable for surrounding the strain insulator, and to provide novel yoke means carried by the ends of the cable and engageable with each other to maintain a closed loop around the clevis to be attached to suitable supporting means.

A further object is to provide a device of the character referred to wherein a solid member is connected to each end of the flexible cable which surrounds the insulator, and to form the solid members with contacting engaging portions to interlock the two solid members with respect to each other.

A further object is to provide a strain insulator clevis which readily may be placed in position around a strain insulator by virtue of the use of a flexible cable as the insulator embracing means, and to provide solid attaching yoke members on the ends of the flexible cable which may be quickly and easily connected to each other to be engaged by any desired connecting means.

Other objects and advantages of the invention Will become apparent during the course of the following description.

In the drawings I have shown several embodiments of the invention. In this showing:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of one form of the device, parts being broken away,

Figure 2 is an edge elevation,

Figure 3 is a plan view,

Figure 4 'is a detail inside face view of one of the complementary solid connecting members,

Figure 5 is a side elevation of the same,

Figure 6 is a side elevation of a modified form of the yoke end of the clevis,

Figure 7 is a detail section on line 'I- of Figure 6,

Figure 8 is a side elevation of a further modified form of the device, a portion of one of the' yoke members being broken away,

Figure 9 is a plan view,

Figure 10 is a side elevation of the yoke end of a clevis similar to that shown in Figures 8 and 9 embodying a slight modification,

Figure 11 is a side elevation of a further modied form of the device,

Figure 12 is a plan view of the same,

Figure 13 is a detail section on line I3-I3 of Figure 11,

Figure 14 is a side elevation of an additional form of the device,

Figure 15 is a fragmentary side elevation of the same, parts being shown in section, and,

Figure 16 is a detail section on line Iii-I6 of Figure l5.

Referring to Figures l to 5 inclusive, the numeral II) designates the body of the clevis which is preferably formed of a section of cable preferablyk formed of individual strands made from 10 copper jacketed ingots drawn down to proper size, and wherein the copper jacketing is applied to the base metal by casting, and without the use of iiuxing material. The advantage of the use of such form of cable will become apparent. The cable I0 is adapted to fit around a standard strain insulator (not shown) and assumes substantially the shape shown in Figure l when in use forming opposite leg portions connected by a substantially semi-circular central portion II. The semi-circular portion I I encircles the end of the insulator, and it will be apparent that the flexibility of the cable permits it to accommodate itself to the shape of the portion of the insulator which it engages, thus preventing the application of pressure at spaced points on the insulator.

The form of the invention shown in Figures l to 5 inclusive includes a yoke indicated as a whole by the numeral I2 and made up of complementary sections I3 and I4. These sections, in the forni of the invention referred to, have their adjacent faces'contacting as at I5 in a plane substantially centrally of the width of the clevis. Each of the yoke members I3 is provided with a downwardly and outwardly extending arm I6 having its end butt welded to one end of the cable section I0. When cable of the character referred to is employed, the ends of the cable may be perfectly butt Welded to the ends of the arms I6 to form a perfect joint which has'been found in actual practice to withstand great strains without cracking or breaking, and the absence of fluxing in the cable material prevents corrosion or other destruction of the cable adjacent the bonding point.

Each of the members I3 and I4 is provided with v an upstanding projection Il coacting to form a circular shank screw threaded for reception in a nut I8. The upper extremities of the body portions of the members I 3 and I4 form a shoulder I9 upon which the nut I8 is seated when the device is assembled.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5 it will be noted that the contacting faces I5 of the yoke members are provided with interlocking means to prevent relative sliding movement of the contacting faces of the yoke members when the latter are brought into engagement. In order that a single die may be employed for forming the members I3 and I4, the die is adapted to form each member with an outstanding lug preferably of .circular cross section. VAfter the member is completed half of each lug is cut away as at 28, thus leaving a semicircular outstanding lug 2I. The face I5 is then punched inwardly in alinement with the portion of the lug which has been cut away to form a recess 22 which also is semi-circular in shape. that the lugs of one of the members is 'cut away at one side while the lug of the other member is cut away at the opposite side, and accordingly the semi-circular lug of each member is adapted to be received in the semi-circular recess of the other member.

parent that the inter-engagement of the lug elements 2| and sockets or recesses 22 prevents relative sliding movement of the members I3 and A slightly modied form of the invention is shown in Figures 6 and 'l in which the yoke element alone has been illustrated. Such element is designated as a whole by the numeral 23 and comprises complementary sections 24 and 25 having arm portions 26 to which theV ends of the cable section are adapted to be butt welded. Instead of the yoke being completely divided on a transverse plane, the central portion of the yoke is divided on a plane formed by the contacting faces 21 of the yoke members, such plane being coincident with the plane of the clevis. The yoke is further split transversely on opposite sides of the center thereof as at 28 to form the separate sections.

The yoke 23 also is provided with an upstanding threaded portion 29 adapted to be received in a nut 30. The projecting portion 29 is split in the plane of the faces 2l. Preferably within the limits of the threaded portion 29, each member 24 and 25 is provided with an outstanding lug 3l engageable in a recess l32 in the other member. This arrangement permits the members 24 and 25 to be made identical with each other thus requiring the use of only a single die.

The form of the invention shown in'Figures 8 and 9 is somewhat different from the forms previously described, but retains the essential feature of providing solid yoke members carried by the ends o f the cable and engageable with each other. This form of the invention does not require the use of any fastening elements and is wholly self-contained. Referring to Figure 8, the numeral 33 designates a cable section similar to the section I0 previously described. A yoke indicated as a whole by the numeral 34 is formed of sections 35 and 36 each of which has an arm portion 3'I the ends of which are adapted to be butt Welded to the ends of the` cable section 33. The section 35 is provided with an upstanding tapered extension 38 formed integral therewith, while the section 36 is provided with an integral ring or eye 39 having a tapered opening 48 to receive the projection 38. 1

The engagement of the projection 38'and eye 39 is sucient to retain the elements in position when the insulator is subjectedY to the usual strain. It is preferred however, that meansbe provided to positively prevent relative rotating action between the projection 38 and eye 39. Ac-

A cordingly the member 38 is Vprovided with a re- It will be apparent With the faces of the mem-V bers I3 and I4 brought together, it will be ap.

cess 4I receiving a lug 42 formed integral with the yoke member 35.

The form of the invention shown in Figure l0 is identical with the form shown in Figures 8 and 9 except for a slight modification, and need not be referred to in detail. It is sometimes desirable to connect a strain insulator clevis to a solid xed support having a threaded opening therein, and for this purpose, the device shown in Figure 10 is provided with a threaded extension 43 preferably formed integral with the tapered extension 38.

In the form of the invention shown in Figures 8 and 9, relative movement of the yoke members axially ofthe device is prevented by reception of the projection 38 in the opening 48. In the form of the invention shown in Figures 11 and l2, such relative movement is prevented by Vintertting formations on the contacting faces of the yoke members, and movement of such members laterally away from each other is prevented by the eye or similar means to which the yoke is connected. Referring to Figure'll the numeral 44 designates the cable section forming a part of the device andA similar to the cable section previously described. A yoke member indicated as a whole by the numeral 45 is formed of complementary sections 46 and 4l. These sections have their body portions identical in shape with each other each having an arm portion 48 adapted to be butt welded to one end of the cable section 44.

Each of the sections is recessed as at 49 whereby the ends of the sections are relatively offset for interiitting engagement Ywith each other. The recess forms the two sections with parallel faces contacting with each other, one of these faces being provided with outstanding lugs 50 and the other with recesses 5I to receive the lugs. The extremities of the recesses 49 of the two members obviously closely fit against each other as indicated by the numeral 52. Referring to Figure l2, it will be noted that the central portion of the yoke 45 is materially thickened to increase the inherent strength of the yoke and to render such central portionV thereof engageable with the eye to which it is connected whereby such eye prevents movement of the yoke members 46 and 41 away from each other.

In Figures 14 and 15, the yoke is indicated as a whole by the numeral 53 and comprises sections 54 and 55 terminating in arm portions butt welded to the ends of a cablesection 55. The section 54 is materially longer than the section V55 and includes a curved portion 51 forming the extremity of the clevis and adapted for connection with suitable eye or other supporting means. Accordingly the two sections are connected at one side of the center of the clevis.V Referring to Figure 15, it will be noted that each section has its adjacent end recessed as at 58 and each section has its portion at the end of the recess projecting inwardly asl at 59. Obviously, the projection 59 of each yoke memberrengages within'the recess 58 of the other member. Thus an intertting connection is provided between the two yoke sections, and the latter have their ends in axial alinement with each other. Y

At a point spaced from the adjacent end of the yoke section 54, the section 55 is reduced in size to form an annular shoulder 60. Al sleeve 6I is adapted to surround the interlocking vportions of the two yoke members and is provided with an inwardly extending annular flange 62 at its lower end engageable with the shoulder V60.

- cotter pin 63 is adapted to prevent downward movement of the sleeve 6 I when the latter is in operative position.-

The operation of the form of the invention show-n in Figures` 1 to 5 inclusive is as follows: With the nut I8 removed from the device, the flexibility of the cable permits the yoke sections [-3 and I4 to be spread apart whereupon the strain insulator may be arranged in position within the flexible cable I0. The device is then placed in position with respect to the connecting means employed therewith, such as an eye arranged within the yoke. The two yoke members are then brought into operative engagement with each other withv the lugs 2| arranged in the recesses 22, whereupon the nut I8 is threaded on the complementary projections I1. The device is then completely assembled. It will be apparent that the engagement of the nut I8 with the shoulder I9 effectually provides bracing means i'or the two yoke members to positively prevent spreading thereof incident to the application of force in alinement with the contacting faces I5. Accordingly the device is sturdy in operation, and may be subjected to great and sustained strains without any loosening of the parts. It. will be apparent that the device readily may be assembled without the use of special tools.

Thel operation of the form of the device shown in Figures 6 and '7 is identical with that previously A described except that the yoke members are moved laterally to separate them to permit the insulator to be arranged in position. The recessing of the yoke members at offset points as indicated by the numeral 28 provides each yoke member with a portion extending over the line of pull of the member to which the yoke is connected, and accordingly any tendency of the yoke members to spread is prevented. Moreover, this construction permits the two yoke members to beidentical in shape, thus requiring only a single die in forging the device. In the forms of the device shown in Figures 8, 9, and 10, no fastening means whatever is required for holding the yoke members in cooperative relationship. When the device is not subjected to a longitudinal strain, the flexibility of the cable section 33 readily permits separation of the yoke members to` permit assembly of the device. Once the device has been assembled the longitudinal pull exerted upon the yoke holds the projection 38 within the eye 39 thus positively preventing displacement of the parts. The use of the lug 42 is not essential, but is preferred to prevent rotation of the parts about the axis of the projection 38, and accordingly no relative movement of the yoke members is permitted when the device is in use. The projection 38 may be provided with the threaded extension 43 to permit the device to be connected to a fixed support having a threaded opening therein. The extension 43 is not sufficiently long to prevent removal of the eye member 39 in assembling and disassembling the device.

In the form shown in Figures 11, 12, and 13, it merely is necessary toi move the yoke members laterally to separate the lug 50 from the recesses 5l whereupon the yoke members may be pulled apart to permit the insulator to be placed in position therein. When the device is assembled, the lugs 50 serve to positively prevent relative movement of the yoke members in the plane of the clevis, although it will be apparent that no appreciable movement of this character can take place in view of the fact that the inner ends or the yoke members extend beyond the line of pull. An attaching eye passing around the center of the yoke prevents lateral separation of the yoke members since its curvature causes it to embrace such. membersI to a suici'ent extent to prevent the lateral separating movement referred to.

In the form of the invention shown in Figures 14, l5, and 16, the sleeve 5IV is normally moved downwardly from the position shown in Figure 15, and accordingly the yoke members are free to be separated by virtue of the flexibility of the cable section 56. After the device is assembled the sleeve 6I is moved upwardly to bring the flange 62 into engagement with thev shoulder 6D, whereuponY the cotter pin 63 is inserted and the parts are positively locked together.

It will be apparent that each form of yoke has its upper inner extremity curved for proper engagement with an eye or vsimilar attaching means. Each of the forms of the invention moreover embodies a. two-piece yoke with the elements secured to the respective ends of a cable member. The yoke members are provided with interiitting portions which x the relationship between such elements. The use of the cable is advantageous in that its flexibility permits ready assembly of the device, and the use of the particular kind of cable referred to permits a highly efcient and permanent bonding between the ends of the cable and the yoke elements. Each form of the device is characterized by its simplicity and minimum number of parts whereby itmay be economically manufactured. Each form of the device is capable of being assembled more easily and quickly than has been possible with the forms of insulator clevises heretofore developed. The yoke members preferably are formed of forged steel suitably galvanized or otherwise coated to protect them from the weather.

It is to be understood that the forms of the invention herewith shown and described are to be taken as preferred examples of the same andY that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

I claim:

1. A. strain` insulator clevis comprising a body formed of a. flexible metallic member adapted to assume an elongated operative shape around a strain insulator, and a yoke comprising complementary separable members each secured to one end of said metallic member, one of said members having an eye formed integral therewith and the other terminating in a stud frictionally engageable in said eye, at least one of said cornplementary members being arranged at one end of said body when the latter is in operative shape to form a bearing element.

2. A strain insulator clevis comprising a body formed of a flexible metallic member adapted to assume an elongated operative shape around a strain insulator, and a yoke comprising complementary separable members each secured to one end of said metallic member, one of said complementary members terminating in a stud projecting longitudinally of the clevis outwardly thereof, the other complementary member having an integral eye frictionally receiving said stud, at least one of said complementary members being arranged at one end of said body when the latter is in operative shape to form a bearing element.

3. A device constructed in accordance with claim 2 wherein said stud and the opening in said eye are tapered to decrease in diameter outwardly with respect to the clevis. i. Y

4. A strain insulator clevis comprising a body formed of a ilexible metallic member adaptedto assume an. elongatedoperative shape around a strain insulator, and a yoke comprising complementary separable members each terminating at one.y end in an arm butt Welded to one end of said flexible member, the other end of -one complementary member terminating in an eye and the other terminating in a stud frictionally engageable in said eye,V at least one of said complementary members being arranged at one end of said body When the latter is in operative shape to form a bearing element.

5. A strain insulator clevis comprising a body formed oi a .flexible metallic member adapted to assume` an elongated operative shape around a strain insulator, and a yoke comprising complementary separable members each terminating at one end in an arm butt Welded to one end of said flexible member, the-other end of one complementarymember terminating in an eye and the other terminating in a-stud frictionally engageable'in said eye, said stud extending in a direction away from said exible member and tapered to decrease in diameter toward its extremity, at least one of said complementary members being arranged at one end of said body when the latter is in operative shape to form a bearing element.

6. A strain insulator clevis comprising a body formed of a exible metallic member looped intermediate its ends to assume an elongated operative shape around a strain insulator; and a yoke comprising complementary separable members each Vsecured in'end to end relation to one end of said flexible member, said complementary members having portions interlockable upon movement of one of such members in 'a direction away from the loop in said exible member, said last named complementary member having an inner bearing portion facing in the direction of the loop in said flexible'member and extending across a plane. which passes through the line of pull on the clevis and which is at right angles to the Vplane of said flexible member.V

7. A strain insulator clevis comprising a body formed of a flexible metallic member looped intermediate its ends to assume an elongated opelative shape around a straininsulator, and a yoke comprising complementary separable members each secured to one end of said iiexible member, one of said complementary members being-provided With an eye and the other With a stud engageable in. said eye and having its axis arranged substantially parallel to the line of pull on the clevis, said last named member having an inner bearing portion facing in the direction of the loop in said flexible member and extendngacross a plane which passes through the line of pull on the clevis and which is at right angles to the plane of said flexible member.

8. A strain insulator clevis comprising a body formed of a flexible metallic member looped intermediate its ends to assume an elongated operative shape around a strain insulator, and a yoke comprising complementary separable members each secured in end to end relation to one end of said flexible member, said complementary members having portions interlockable upon movement of one of such members in adirection away from the loop in said lexible member, said last named complementary member having an inner bearing portion aeing'in the dir eotionof the loop in said flexible member and extending across a plane which passes through the line of pullon the clevis 'and which is at-rightv angles tothe plane of said flexible member, theends of said complementary members which are secured to the ends of said exible member being spaced apart adistance substantially less than the normal Width of the clevis.

9. A strain insulator clevis comprising abody formed of a flexible metallic member looped intermediate its ends to assume an elongated operative shape around a strain insulatonand a yoke comprising complementary separable members each secure-d in end to end relation to one end of said exible member, one Vof saidcomplementary members having an inner. bearing portion facing in the direction of the loopin said iiexible member and extending across the line of pull on the clevis, said last namedcomplementary member being movable away from the loop in said flexible member in a line coincident with the line of pull on said clevis into interlocking relationship with the other complementary member.

VI-IlllRBER' E. MILLER. 

